HI HB554

Establishes an administrative process allowing involuntarily committed psychiatric patients to receive treatment over their objection without requiring a judicial hearing, with an average reduction from 17 days to expedite care.

Creates a three-member administrative panel with relevant clinical training and experience (not involved in the patient's current treatment) to review and authorize treatment orders based on four criteria: patient suffers from mental disease/disorder, is imminently dangerous to self or others within 45 days, proposed treatment is medically appropriate, and less intrusive alternatives have been considered.

Provides due process protections including notice to the patient, right to attend hearing, assistance from an advisor, cross-examination of witnesses, presentation of testimony and exhibits, and right to appeal the panel's decision.

Requires the Department of Health and Department of Public Safety to collaborate in developing policies, procedures, and staffing requirements to implement the administrative authorization process based on best practices from other jurisdictions.

Mandates annual reporting by the Department of Health to the legislature on implementation progress, utilization of the administrative process, and assisted community treatment usage, with final report due by 2024; law takes effect July 1, 2017 and expires June 30, 2024.